Donna R. VanderKooi's Obituary
Mrs. Donna R. VanderKooi (Ge-zhah-ta-win-kwa "Sunshine Woman"), age 62, on Thursday afternoon, February 28, 2008, went home to be with her Savior, who so lovingly prepared her special mansion. She was born June 6, 1945 in East St. Louis, IL to David and Ann (Haak) Medacco and had lived in the Muskegon area most of her life. Mrs. VanderKooi was a pharmacy tech for Meijer for 13 years and had also worked for Van’s Printing. She was a member and Elder of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and was an avid kids sports fan. On February 10, 1978 she married Jack D. VanderKooi and he survives her along with 8 children, Greg (Barb) VanderKooi of Cedar Springs, Beth Ann (Tom) Brehm of Grand Rapids, Msgt. Jeffrey (Brenda) VanderKooi of South Bend, IN, John (Kim) Plouhar, David (Michelle) Plouhar, Amy MacNeil all of Muskegon, Mark (fiancée, Jen) Plouhar of Manistee, Johnathan Plouhar of Muskegon; 26 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Andrina Mund of Muskegon, Alexis (MaryAnn) Medacco of Mason, MI, Alicia (Robert) Knapp of Manistee; and her special friends at the Cancer Support Group. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Nelson; and good friend, Judy Meadows. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Monday at
The Sytsema Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
(231) 726-5210
with her brother-in-law, John Hamil officiating. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM Saturday and from 1-3 PM on Sunday. MEMORIALS to the Hackley Hospital Cancer Support Group or the Blue Bird Cancer Retreat will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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